Honestly, when most people think about the temp in Anchorage Alaska, they picture a frozen wasteland where your eyelashes freeze together the second you step outside. It’s a classic trope. But if you’re actually standing on 4th Avenue right now, the reality is a bit more nuanced—and surprisingly manageable if you’ve got the right gear.
Right now, as of early Wednesday morning, January 14, 2026, the temperature in Anchorage is sitting at a crisp 10°F.
It’s nighttime, the sky is cloudy, and there’s barely a breath of wind—just a tiny 1 mph puff coming from the northeast. It’s cold, yeah, but it’s that "dry cold" Alaskans are always bragging about. Humidity is high at 94%, which usually sounds like a swamp in the South, but up here in the dead of winter, it just means the air feels heavy and still.
Understanding the Temp in Anchorage Alaska Today
If you're planning your day, don't let that 10-degree mark fool you into staying under the covers. The forecast for today, Wednesday, January 14, is actually looking a bit "warmer" by local standards. We’re expecting a high of 23°F and a low of 13°F.
💡 You might also like: Zoe Kravitz Natural Hair: What Most People Get Wrong
Basically, it’s going to be a snow day.
There’s a 35% chance of snow showers during the day, which bumps up to a 40% chance of steady snow tonight. The wind is going to pick up slightly to about 7 mph from the southeast, so you’ll definitely feel that bit of a bite if you’re walking near the Inlet.
Why Anchorage Isn't the Icebox You Think It Is
People often loop Anchorage in with places like Fairbanks or Utqiaġvik. Big mistake. Fairbanks can regularly see -40°F while Anchorage is sitting pretty at 20°F.
💡 You might also like: Why Blue and Black White Gold is Actually a Real Thing
Why? It’s all about the water. Anchorage is tucked into Cook Inlet and protected by the Chugach Mountains. The Pacific Ocean acts like a giant space heater, keeping the temperatures much more moderate than the interior of the state. It’s technically a "subarctic climate," but the maritime influence is a total game-changer.
What to Expect Month-by-Month
If you aren't here for the January chill, the temp in Anchorage Alaska varies wildly depending on when you decide to visit.
Winter (November - March): January is usually the coldest month. Historically, we see average highs around 23°F and lows near 11°F. You get about 5 to 6 hours of "functional" daylight, which is the part that actually messes with people more than the cold.
✨ Don't miss: Hanukkah 2024: Why the Timing Feels So Different This Year
Spring (April - May): This is "breakup" season. The snow melts, everything turns a bit muddy, and the temps climb into the 40s and 50s. It’s a messy but beautiful time when the city starts to wake up.
Summer (June - August): This is the sweet spot. Highs hit the mid-60s to low 70s. July is the warmest month, often averaging a high of 68°F. You’ll see locals wearing shorts and T-shirts at 60°F because, after a January low of 13°F, 60 feels like a tropical vacation.
Fall (September - October): September is actually the wettest month here, with about 3 inches of rain on average. Temperatures drop fast, sliding from the 50s down into the 30s as the "termination dust" (the first snow) starts appearing on the mountain peaks.
The Record Breakers
Just for some perspective on how crazy it can get, the record high for Anchorage is 90°F (set back in July 2019). On the flip side, it has dropped as low as -38°F in the past. So while today’s 10°F might feel chilly, it’s nowhere near the extremes this town has survived.
Survival Tips for the Current Temps
If you're heading out into today's 23°F high, you’ve gotta dress in layers.
- Base Layer: Think merino wool or synthetic. No cotton. Seriously, cotton is the enemy in Alaska because once it gets damp from snow or sweat, it stays cold.
- Mid Layer: A decent fleece or a "puffy" down jacket.
- Outer Shell: Something windproof and waterproof, especially since there's snow in the forecast for this afternoon.
Keep an eye on the wind. While 7 mph isn't a gale, in 13-degree weather, it can drop the "feels like" temp into the single digits fast.
The most important thing to remember about the temp in Anchorage Alaska is that it’s rarely a "stay inside" kind of cold. It’s an "active" cold. Whether it's 10°F or 30°F, you'll see people out on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail skiing, biking with fat tires, or just walking the dog.
To make the most of today, check your vehicle's antifreeze levels and make sure your tires are rated for the 40% chance of snow tonight. If you're walking, grab a pair of ice cleats—the freeze-thaw cycle can turn the sidewalks into skating rinks in seconds. Pack a pair of dry wool socks in your bag just in case the snow showers get your feet damp. Most importantly, give yourself an extra 10 minutes for your commute to account for the slippery roads during the evening snow.